Tech Newbies

Because you'll never learn any younger... but they are all the time!

You know you need to get started on learning the technology so you can integrate it into your classroom but feel a little overwhelmed even before starting because there is so much out there.

It is never too late to start. I made this page for you. The whole site is here for you to learn and review at your own pace.

Remember: It is often more important to look backwards at the ground you've covered than forward to the ever-expanding string of the new.

This is a comprehensive reflection on my first experience in the flat classroom. It covers the International Society for Technology in Education's National Education Technology Standards for Students, Web Design & Digital Citizenship, GRASP planning and the SAMR Model of technology integration (more below) as well as other fundamental issues in using technology in the classroom. Enjoy!

Click the images below for links to more detailed explanations

Twitter: Personal Learning Networks PLN,
and why you need one

Not just to tell people when you are thinking of going to bed, Twitter is the best way to find and manage connections to a constant flow of professional development readings and other opportunities as del as connect with others who can help you wit their insights.

Organize your PLN
with Netvibes

It's hard to keep track of all the information out there, even when you are streamlining with RSS feeds.

Blog

You should consider a blog. It is a great way to learn some tricks and share while you learn. You can also use it to keep parents informed, teach your students how to use one, consolidate your thinking and, when you're ready, promote yourself as the tech genius you've become.

Create

No, there is nothing cutting edge about making presentations with these applications. They are great, entry-level platforms for so much more however. Collaboration, creation, as the basis for video production, as part of the exhibition of a project based learning experience...

The Lighter Side: We ALL had to learn at some point...

New Things in New Ways

Where you should be headed?Interested in Serious EdTech Professional Development?
Originally posted on November 28, 2012
by Sean Thompson

This blog post will cover many topics. I wear many hats. In brief, I will discuss how I have recently employed technology:

as a homeroom teacher
an ICT specialist
a school promoter
a teacher trainer
an MYP Technology teacher

I will further make ongoing reference to the SAMR model of technology integration in education throughout.

As this infographic is self-explanatory and this blog post (which will likely reach epic proportions) is meant as part of a culminating assessment for my Master’s I will not be explaining it in detail.

Ten ways schools are using social media effectively

Readers discuss how they use social networking in their schools, list helpful resources

Smart phones might be getting the green light in more schools around the country, but social networking is still getting the yellow in many schools: Parents are worried about bullying, teacher-student online relationships are questioned, and school security can be compromised all too easily, some critics fear.